Daughters of the soil -Women taking their place in farming

Carlington Wilmot
Preparing plants for sale.

Avia Ustanny, Freelance Writer

THE SISTERS of the soil are holding their own in the fields. This week, meet Dawn Ottey, and hear of others who have made a success of food farming.

Women make up less than 20 per cent of those employed in agriculture (Social and Economic Survey, 2000) but some among them are taking on the challenge of running their own business in the sector.

And, at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) more and more are lining up to enter the field. There are 15 females doing their associate degree in agriculture. And, between 40 to and 59 female students are in second and first year programmes. These figures are not too far away from male enrolment figures. Finding the capital for farm projects is a challenge for those with this interest, however. Many graduates go into teaching, personnel in the College registry report.

Others benefit from the corporate internship programme for third years. Some are offered jobs in the agricultural sector as a result.

"It is hard to start your own business right after leaving school," said the registry officer. That is why most go into teaching.

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